I believe real progression in yachting comes from discipline, consistency and the willingness to understand every aspect of the industry.
Quick Facts
- Position: Deckhand
- Nationality: French
- Current Location: Cannes, France
- Availability: Immediate
- Languages: French, English, Spanish
- Certifications: STCW, PWC, Powerboat Level 2, CQP Personnel de Bord
- Yacht Interest: Large Yachts 50m+ / Dual Season Programs
- Experience: 78m M/Y deck operations + interior versatility
- Long-Term Goal: Captain trajectory
- Strengths: Strategic mindset, adaptability, owner awareness, service culture, operational discipline
What about Rafael ?
Rafaël belongs to a new generation of crew members approaching yachting with unusual clarity and long-term vision.
Rather than entering the industry impulsively or opportunistically, he has already built a remarkably structured understanding of how large yacht operations function — not only onboard, but also through the operational, managerial and human dynamics surrounding them.
His objective is clear: progressively build the legitimacy, technical experience and leadership foundations required to evolve toward command positions on large yachts over time.
What immediately stands out in Rafaël’s profile is the balance between ambition and realism.
He thinks long term, but understands that credibility at sea is earned progressively through discipline, operational consistency and continuous learning onboard.
For me, legitimacy onboard is built through experience, reliability and the ability to keep learning from stronger people around you.
His first experiences onboard already provided valuable exposure to very different yacht environments.
Working as deck crew onboard a 78m yacht within an international British crew structure allowed him to discover the operational standards, hierarchy and discipline expected onboard large units.
At the same time, his experience onboard a 30m yacht in an interior role reinforced his versatility and strengthened his understanding of hospitality standards, guest interaction and interior operations.
Understanding both deck operations and hospitality standards gives a stronger foundation for future leadership onboard.
This dual exposure gives Rafaël a particularly intelligent perspective on the industry.
While his long-term identity clearly belongs within the deck department, he understands the value of service culture and interior awareness as essential components of modern yacht leadership.
Onboard, Rafaël projects a composed and analytical energy.
He naturally observes systems, organisation and crew dynamics while remaining operationally involved and adaptable.
His profile combines professionalism with strong communication skills, allowing him to integrate effectively within multicultural teams while maintaining a clear sense of personal progression.
What also differentiates him strongly is his strategic understanding of the market itself.
Rafaël has already developed a mature awareness of:
- crew stability,
- yacht size dynamics,
- training opportunities,
- long-term career positioning,
- and the importance of personal branding within yachting.
This level of reflection is relatively rare for someone at his stage of progression and reinforces the seriousness behind his ambitions.
I’m not looking for short-term opportunities. I’m looking for an environment where I can grow, contribute and build long-term experience onboard.
Professionally, Rafaël is intentionally targeting larger yachts where operational standards, structured departments and long-term progression opportunities are stronger.
His preference for 50m+ yachts is not driven by image alone, but by a desire to evolve within professional environments where mentorship, training and career pathways are clearly established.
Alongside his onboard experience, Rafaël also developed valuable operational awareness ashore through personal assistant and yacht support responsibilities for private villa operations.
Organising logistics, guest reception, catering and owner-related support strengthened both his discretion and his understanding of high-standard service environments.
I enjoy environments where professionalism, discipline and team culture all contribute to long-term performance
Extra Talent
Operational Awareness & Hospitality Intelligence
Beyond deck operations, Rafaël brings an unusually strong understanding of the broader ecosystem surrounding luxury yachting.
His experiences across deck operations, interior service, shoreside support and personal assistance have allowed him to develop valuable awareness of owner expectations, operational organisation and hospitality culture.
Combined with his interest in management, communication and long-term leadership progression, this gives him a profile that already thinks beyond the limitations of a single onboard role.
This ability to understand both operational execution and strategic environment is a major long-term asset for future command responsibilities.
Beyond ambition itself, what defines Rafaël most strongly is his willingness to build things properly.
He does not seek shortcuts, rapid titles or superficial recognition.
Instead, he approaches progression methodically, with a clear understanding that strong maritime careers are built through consistency, adaptability and credibility earned over time.
The people I admire most in this industry are those who combine strong standards with humility and real operational experience
Rafaël represents a new generation of qualified crew members combining operational discipline, strategic intelligence and genuine long-term commitment to professional yachting progression.